Abstract:
The study was carried out to assess the percentage of reduction and susceptibility index to water
stress in seed yield and its components in chickpea. Twelve chickpea genotypes were evaluated
in two sowing dates (mid Nov. and mid Dec.) under two levels of water treatments at two
locations (Shambat and Shendi) during the period 2004-2008. A split-plot experiment in a
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was applied. The main-plots
were allocated for water treatment and sub-plots for the genotypes. The water levels adopted
were normal irrigation (10-12 days interval) and water stress (withholding irrigation water for
three weeks during the flowering stage). Generally early sowing during November gave a higher
seed yield and better yield components. The genotype Rubatab and Wad-Hamid (checks) scored
the highest seed yield at the four environments and under normal irrigation, while Rubatab and
ILC6023 scored the highest seed yield under water stress conditions. A high percentage of
reduction for genotypes means was detected at the four environments in seed yield and its
components due to water stress. Plant height showed a small reduction percentage and relatively
a narrow range of susceptibility index, while days to maturity were enhanced by water stress and
had a wide range of susceptibility index. Moreover, Seed yield/ha, number of pods per plant,
biomass yield/ha and harvest index recorded the highest percentage reduction values and a
narrow range of susceptibility indices indicating that, chickpea is highly susceptible to water
stress during flowering, however, some genotypes (Rubatab, ILC 6023, ILC3105 and ILC1792)
showed relatively smaller reduction values and narrower susceptibility indices; therefore, we
recommend them for testing in more seasons under water stress conditions to verify their
tolerance to drought. Furthermore, the result showed that, the susceptibility indices for seed size
was higher in larger seeds than the smaller ones. ILC4291 proved to be highly susceptible for all
variables. Also the study showed and recommended the early sowing of chickpea during
November for obtaining higher seed yield and better yield components.
